GUWAHATI: President’s Rule has been imposed in Manipur for the 11th time after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to appoint a new chief minister following the resignation of N Biren Singh.
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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced this decision on Thursday, February 13.
The notification issued by the MHA states that President Droupadi Murmu has taken charge of the state’s governance under Article 356 of the Constitution. The proclamation also follows a report from the Governor of Manipur, highlighting the inability of the state government to function as per constitutional provisions.
As per the directive, the President will now assume all functions of the Manipur government, including powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor. Additionally, the state legislature's powers will now be exercised by or under the authority of Parliament.
The imposition of President’s Rule comes amid a political impasse in the state, as the BJP leadership struggled to reach a consensus on the next chief minister. The resignation of N Biren Singh created uncertainty, with no clear successor emerging.
Since the enforcement of the Constitution in 1950, President’s Rule has been imposed 134 times across 29 states and Union Territories. Manipur and Uttar Pradesh have witnessed the highest number of instances, with President’s Rule being enforced 10 times in each state. However, they are not the regions that have spent the longest duration under central administration.
Jammu & Kashmir holds the record for the most extended period under President’s Rule, followed by Punjab and Puducherry. Since 1950, Jammu & Kashmir has remained under central control for over 12 years (4,668 days), while Punjab has experienced President’s Rule for more than 10 years (3,878 days). In both cases, prolonged spells of central rule have primarily resulted from recurring militant activities, separatist movements, and law-and-order challenges.
The most recent instance of President’s Rule occurred in Puducherry in 2021 after the Congress-led government lost power following a failed vote of confidence. Over the years, Puducherry has been under President’s Rule for more than seven years (2,739 days), largely due to political instability caused by internal conflicts and defections within the Assembly.
